Can Someone Force Me to Take Down My Flag

[sef824]

I recently put up an American and State flag outside of my house and received word from a neighbor that the Homeowners Assoc. did not permit flags to be displayed. Is there any federal law that I can use to help fight this? If so, where can I find a copy of it?

[sarahw]

There is not currently a law that addresses this, but because it is a growing problem there is a bill in Congress that would prohibit homeowners' associations from prohibiting flying the flag.

HR 42, also known as the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005, says the following:

A condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy, or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent a member of the association from displaying the flag of the United States on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use.

The bill passed the House on a voice vote June 27 and moved to the Senate June 28. It is still in committee, according to GovTrack. Now's the time to contact your Senators and tell them to support this bill, and to move quickly on it before the legislative session ends. Make sure our right to fly the flag isn't infringed!

Sarah